WHEREAS it has become publicly known as of July 15, 2004 that the Ministry of Energy and Mines is undertaking the Oil and Gas Regulatory Improvement Initiative OGRII, a process that may comprehensively overhaul BCs oil and gas regulatory regime; AND WHEREAS many aspects of oil and gas development directly affect the operations of local government, including local zoning, rights of way, utility use, noise and dust by-laws, and economic development; AND WHEREAS OGRII may therefore affect many aspects of both the structure and exercise of local government powers in BC; AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Energy and Mines has not consulted with municipal councils and regional district boards on OGRII; AND WHEREAS in 2003 the Union of BC Municipalities endorsed resolution B129, calling on the Ministry to consult with local government on the development of coalbed methane standards, without a satisfactory response by the Ministry: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Ministry of Energy and Mines formally include local governments in the consultation process for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Improvement Initiative, presenting in public sessions before relevant local governments and seeking formal responses.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINES The focus of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Improvement Initiative OGRII is to revise the regulatory framework within which the Oil and Gas Commission OGC operates, specifically the regulatory and operational issues of application, compliance and enforcement. The highest priority for community consultation has been given to those northeastern communities directly affected by the oil and gas industry and who interact with the OGC on a daily basis. Some consultation was also carried out with communities in southeast British Columbia who requested information. In June and July 2004, the Ministry met with representatives of all municipal and regional district governments, in northeast British Columbia, that are currently affected by the decisions and processes of the OGC. During the fall of 2004, the Ministry undertook additional consultation with municipal governments on specific regulatory issues and regulatory gaps. UBCM was also briefed on the OGRII on June 10, 2004 in Vancouver. As planned, future discussions with northeast regional district and municipal governments will be scheduled during the summer of 2005 as part of a second round of consultation on the OGRII. With respect to consultation on coalbed gas, in 2004 the Ministry undertook extensive consultation in communities where coalbed gas tenure and exploration is anticipated. This involved extensive discussion of the regulations and standards for natural gas exploration and development. These standards and regulations will apply to coalbed gas development, ensuring the protection of the environment and community values. The Ministrys Resource Development and Geoscience Branch continues to work with communities regarding appropriate coalbed gas development.